new age, familiar faces, future places.

i am now older, and i accept it with pride. i got carded on my actual birthday a few days ago!

the festivities kicked off last week, and each friend made sure i had a great time. 

on friday one of my girlie gals and i supported a friend's event and made an appearance. this girl and i always stumble upon new adventures (like that thursday during dinner with her mama that came from houston). 

bartender spraying my area with champagne?

saturday was AMAZING!! i went to a rodeo in the the texas hill country with my parents and friends. i was so happy to be spending time with my parents. my dad and i even two-stepped to George Straight, drank Shiner beer and talked about my accomplishments. my mom just smiled, also commented on my accomplishments, laughed and drank her Dos XX. i truly lived up to "lee texas." after that, i had VIP waiting for me where the night before some NBA players were also sharing VIP. of course we didn't take their pics because when i work with celebrities i see how annoyed they truly get. besides, i was too busy to care about them.

monday was dinner with my beautiful parents at a little italian restaurant and some vino. i am the type of person that will pick a mom&pop shop or "hole in the wall restaurant" over the chilli's or olive garden or any franchise (well, 95% of the time); i support local business! my mama had blooming yellow roses for me, my dad gave me some collectible items, and i did a few shopping trips where i made sure to announce it was my bday gift "to me, from me." afterwards, i gathered with intimate friends at a bar. they all laughed, sang, drank, and raised a pint in my honor.... even Ron. whaaaaat??? Ron?? the guy that-- yes him. all in all, it has been one of the most memorable times of my life. i got happy birthday & i love you calls and texts all day long. even though my Mami is no longer here, i know she would have called and told me how much she loves me just like she did every day and every birthday.

red shimmery cup holder from:me, to:me!
and the quote on the cup is true <3.

that monday morning my mom and i celebrated with a piping cups of lattes and she said how she really wants to go to spain. she wants to see how i used to live over there and the places i became a local. i really hope i can take her. i told J my intern and she also wants to go. sure! let's all go! you wanna come too? ;)